40 years after its release, 'Sholay' makes its Pakistan debut

Karachi: 'Sholay', the 1975 cult classic starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, is all set to release in Pakistan for the first time.

A leading exhibitor and distributor has decided to bring the film to Pakistan, 40 years after its Indian theatrical release.

Directed by Ramesh Sippy and produced by his father G P Sippy, the film revolved around the theme of revenge with Bachchan and Dharmendra donning the role of small-time crooks -- Jai and Veeru.Nadeem Mandviwalla, who is the owner of Mandviwalla Entertainment, said 'Sholay has never been screened in Pakistani cinemas and people here watched only the pirated version.

"I think every second Pakistani has seen the movie or knows about it and I thought why not re-release it in Pakistan on the big screen because the magic of watching this movie in theatres is awesome," Mandviwalla told PTI.Describing 'Sholay' as a unique film, Mandviwalla said it will attract all generations to the cinema halls.

"I know it is 40 years since it was first released but it is a timeless classic and the presence of Amitabh Bachchan is by itself a big draw," he said.

Mandviwalla is planning to release it on March 23, a public holiday in Pakistan.

"We feel the audience will want to come watch it, given the opportunity," he said.

The mega hit also had Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini and Jaya Bachchan in key roles.

The movie was remastered 2014 and re-released in 3D for the new generation of movie buffs. It will be releasing in 2D and 3D in Pakistan.

Mandviwalla said 'Sholay' will have fewer shows in the theatres but should have a long run in Pakistani cinema halls.